Hemiandrus Earwig vs Shore Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hemiandrus Earwig Shore Earwig
Scientific Name Hemimerus talpoides Anisolabis littorea
Order Dermaptera Dermaptera
Family Hemimeridae Anisolabididae
Size 8-12 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hemiandrus Earwig

A blind, wingless earwig that lives exclusively as a commensal on giant pouched rats. Its cerci are modified into short, unsegmented claspers rather than the typical forceps.

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Did You Know?

Unlike all other earwigs, Hemimerus gives birth to live young that develop inside the mother via a placenta-like structure.

Shore Earwig

A large wingless earwig native to New Zealand, found under stones and driftwood on rocky coasts. It has a shiny black body and stout cerci.

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Did You Know?

This earwig is highly adapted to coastal life and can survive being submerged by waves during high tide.